Autumn is coming, the favorite season for family activities in the mountainous area of North Carolina arrives.
It's harvest season in the Appalachians, and that means area farms are bursting with apples, pumpkins of all shapes and colors—yes, even the ones used to decorate for Halloween—as well as corn and sunflowers.
And it is also the ideal time to visit the farms that open their doors on weekends so that visitors can harvest their own products.
There's also plenty of fun to be had, from corn mazes to tractor rides around the farm and kids' games like the apple-shooting cannon, trampolines and slides, to family-friendly harvesting of different varieties of apples, pumpkins and sunflowers.
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Apple cider donuts
Another great reason to tour apple farms in the fall is to try delicious apple cider donuts, a classic of the season. You can also enjoy traditional beverages like hot or cold cider, accompanied by apple pies and fresh produce from the harvest.
Another interesting fact to keep in mind is that Henderson County is the largest producer of apples in North Carolina and it is there, of course, where the apple farms are concentrated, which open their doors to visitors throughout the year. And they add many more activities and fun, such as harvesting your own flowers, pumpkins and blackberries.
Although apples are the star: in the appalachian mountains 40 varieties of apples are grown, which ripen at different times throughout the season.
Here we present several options for you to visit with your family:
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard: Apples, Pumpkins, and Sunflowers
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, a family-owned farm in Hendersonville, has been a popular destination for nearly 50 years for those looking to enjoy the fall harvest season.
This farm offers activities for all tastes, including apple picking, pumpkin picking, and sunflower picking, each with a large field to walk around and choose the produce from a basket provided by the farm.
In addition to harvesting, the farm features recreational activities such as wagon rides through the orchards, a five-acre corn maze and an apple cannon for shooting at targets.
The nature trails surrounding the estate also allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
Inside the Apple House and bakery, local produce and homemade apple products are offered. Admission is free, and visitors only pay for what they pick or buy.
Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville
More information: steppapples
Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock
Sky Top Orchard has the distinction of having a beautiful view of the mountains from its fields.
It is a family farm that was founded in 1967 and has grown over the years to become one of the most popular destinations for rural tourism during the fall in the area.
In fact, it has been named the fourth best apple orchard in the country in 2024.
In addition to traditional apple picking, Sky Top features duck and goose ponds, a farm animal area, a bamboo forest to explore, and several picnic areas.
Visitors can also enjoy wagon rides and, for the little ones, the bee train is one of the main attractions.
Highlights include the apple cannon and gem mine, both open seven days a week.
The farm shop sells apple cider donuts and a wide selection of apple-based products, including cider, caramel apples and jams.
Location: 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
More information: skytoporchard
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Grandad's Apples in Hendersonville
Grandad's Apples is synonymous with autumn, apples, pumpkins, and homemade sweets. From August to mid-November, visitors can tour this 100-acre farm, enjoy outdoor activities, and select freshly picked apples.
Here, apple picking directly from the trees is only possible on weekends. The farm also has pumpkins from October onwards.
And in their so-called country store you can buy a wide variety of harvest-related products, from apple peelers to freshly baked pies, hot cider donuts and caramel apples.
Location: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville
More information: granddadsapples
An apple farm on the Blue Ridge Parkway
It's called The Orchard at Altapass and it's the only apple farm located in the famous Blue Ridge Parkway National Park.
And that's not its only distinguishing feature: in addition to being a century-old farm, it also functions as a nonprofit cultural center that combines apple picking with the mission of preserving the history, culture and nature of Appalachia.
Its mission is to promote local traditions, land conservation and education.
Between September and October, visitors can pick traditional apples, known as heirloom apples, straight from the tree.
In addition, you can enjoy wagon rides with panoramic views, hiking trails and games for all ages.
The site also features a pollinator garden, a habitat for bees and butterflies, and a shop selling local products such as jams, jellies and regional art.
The Orchard at Altapass is dedicated to protecting the natural environment, including wetlands and fruit trees, while educating the public about the rich heritage of Appalachia.
Location: mm 328.3 Blue Ridge Parkway
More information: altapassorchard.
Eliada Cornmaze: Corn Maze in Asheville
It's not an apple farm, but it's a classic fall festival to visit in Asheville, especially if you have small children in your family.
This is the Eliada Fall Festival, where the main attraction is its famous corn maze.
The festival can be visited from September 20 to October 27, during the weekends. Hours vary, with activities on Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The event features cornhole cannons, games, tractor rides, slides and an inflatable play area. There are also food trucks and pumpkin sales.
Children under 3 are admitted free, and tickets for the rest of the family are $15 per person.
All proceeds raised go to support the programs of Eliada, a non-profit organization that provides support and educational services to children, youth and families in the community.
Location: 2 Compton Dr. Asheville, NC
More information: eliada
Justus Orchard: apples, pears and blackberries
Justus Orchard is a fifth-generation family-owned farm offering a complete fruit-picking experience: until early November, visitors can pick their own apples, Asian pears and blackberries, or choose to purchase already-picked fruit.
The farm features a variety of activities for all ages, including rides on the so-called "cow train," a giant jumping pillow, and the popular apple cannon, where children can shoot apples at wooden deer and bears.
The farm is also known for its bakery, where you can enjoy apple cider doughnuts, apple fritters and cider slushies. They also sell local honey, jams, jellies and other homemade goods.
And for the adults in the family, one of Justus Orchard's new features this fall is the opening of its Taproom, where they sell seasonal fruit cider, craft beers and local wines.
Location: 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville NC
More information: justusorchard
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